Daycare
BFFE is an active, play-based environment, so we recommend feeding your dog at least 90 minutes before their visit. Allowing time between meals and activity helps lower the risk of digestive discomfort or bloat, which can occur when dogs play too soon after eating.
If your dog has eaten within that timeframe, please let our team know at check-in so we can adjust their play and rest schedule as needed. Our goal is to make sure every dog has a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable day with us.
More Than a 30-Minute Walk
Being stuck inside all day can leave dogs bored and restless. Even with a backyard, they may not run without encouragement—and a single walk isn’t enough to burn off energy.
At Best Friends Fur Ever daycare, your dog plays with friends, enjoys fetch, and stays active all day, boosting health and happiness. We also reinforce good manners so they listen better at home.
At Best Friends Fur Ever, we use a structured rotational play schedule designed to balance exercise, socialization, enrichment, and rest.
Dogs in our Social programs enjoy approximately two hours of supervised outdoor play in the morning and another two hours in the afternoon, with a midday break for rest, hydration, and relaxation.
While dogs love to play, nonstop activity can lead to fatigue and overstimulation. Scheduled rest periods allow them to recharge, support muscle recovery, reduce stress, and return to play refreshed. This balanced routine helps promote healthy social interactions and supports your dog’s overall physical and emotional well-being.
Throughout the day, our trained handlers monitor each playgroup and adjust activities based on every dog’s age, energy level, personality, and comfort. The result is a fun, enriching experience that promotes positive play and leaves dogs happily tired when they head home.
A Typical Social Play Day
- Morning: Approximately 2 hours of supervised outdoor play
- Midday: Indoor rest, hydration, and relaxation
- Afternoon: Approximately 2 hours of supervised outdoor play
- Home Time: A happy, tired pup ready for cuddles
Dog Daycare Daily Schedule
- 6:15 AM – 8:45 AM Drop Off (Weekday)
- 7 AM – 8:45 AM Drop Off (Weekend)
- 9 AM – 11:50 AM Morning Play and Rest Rotation
- 12 PM – 1 PM Mid-day snack, nap time, lunch (optional)
- 1 PM – 4:50 PM Afternoon Play and Rest Rotation
- 5 PM – 6:30 PM Pick up by owners
We also offer half-day daycare where your dog can participate in morning or afternoon play rotation.
Early Drop-off and Late Pick-up Services
Early drop-offs are available by appointment only at 4:45 AM prompt (additional charges apply).
Late pick-ups are available by appointment only between 9 – 9:30 PM and 11 – 11:30 PM (additional charges apply).
* Pick-up or drop-off outside our designated hours without an appointment will incur an additional fee.
Not every dog enjoys spending their day in a large social playgroup—and that’s okay. Play My Way is designed for dogs who thrive with a more personalized approach to daycare and boarding.
It can be a great fit for dogs who:
- Are unaltered and unable to participate in traditional group play
- Prefer people over other dogs
- Are dog-selective or have a history of dog aggression
- Experience anxiety or separation anxiety
- Feel overwhelmed in busy group settings
- Simply enjoy a quieter, more individualized day
Every Play My Way guest receives a customized schedule based on their personality, comfort level, energy, and interests.
Tailored Play. Tailored Care.
One-on-One Time
Dedicated time with a trained handler for dogs who prefer human interaction over group play.
Outdoor Adventures
Private outdoor play, sniffing, and exploration so every dog can safely enjoy fresh air and exercise.
Enrichment & Brain Games
Puzzle toys, scent work, obstacle courses, and other activities designed to keep curious minds engaged.
Rest & Relaxation
Comfortable downtime for dogs who need to recharge between activities.
Thoughtful Social Opportunities
For dogs who may benefit from limited interaction, we can provide carefully managed introductions when appropriate and based on each dog’s individual needs.
We’ve recently expanded our Joppa and Cockeysville resort to offer one of the area’s most personalized daycare and boarding experiences. Spacious indoor and outdoor accommodations allow dogs who aren’t suited for traditional group play to enjoy a safe, enriching, and comfortable stay tailored just for them.
5:00 – 5:30 AM Outdoor Relief Rotation Pack 1
5:30 – 6:00 AM Outdoor Relief Rotation Pack 2
6:00 – 6:30 AM Outdoor Relief Rotation Pack 3
6:30 – 6:45 AM Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 AM Outdoor Enrichment Rotation Pack 1
9:30 –10:30 AM Outdoor Enrichment Rotation Pack 2
10:30 – 11:30 AM Outdoor Enrichment Rotation Pack 3
11:30 AM–12:00 PM Enrichment
12:00 – 12:50 PM Naptime (Lunch Optional)
1:10 – 2:10 PM Outdoor Enrichment Rotation Pack 1
2:10 – 3:10 PM Outdoor Enrichment Rotation Pack 2
3:10 – 4:10 PM Outdoor Enrichment Rotation Pack 3
4:15 – 5:00 PM Enrichment
5:00 – 5:30 PM Dinner
6:00 – 7:00 PM Naptime
7:00 – 7:30 PM Outdoor Relief Rotation Pack 1
7:30 – 8:00 PM Outdoor Relief Rotation Pack 2
8:00 – 8:30 PM Outdoor Relief Rotation Pack 3
No. Dogs enrolled in Play My Way are not required to complete a temperament evaluation before their first visit.
Because Play My Way is built around personalized one-on-one care rather than group play, you can simply:
- Reserve your dog’s visit
- Complete your pet profile
- Upload your dog’s required vaccination records
- Drop off your pup!
If you’re looking for a personalized alternative to traditional dog daycare, Play My Way offers individualized enrichment, outdoor adventures, rest breaks, and one-on-one attention tailored to your dog’s unique personality and needs.
Yes. Assisted Canine Care (ACC) is our specialized daycare and boarding program designed for senior, geriatric, and mobility-challenged dogs who benefit from a quieter environment, a slower pace, and extra comfort throughout the day.
Many older dogs still enjoy getting out of the house, spending time with caring people, and participating in gentle enrichment—they simply need a program designed around their changing needs.
ACC may be a great fit for dogs experiencing:
- Arthritis or joint stiffness
- Reduced stamina
- Vision or hearing loss
- Mobility challenges
- Cognitive changes associated with aging
- A preference for quieter days and smaller routines
Instead of participating in a traditional social playgroup, ACC guests enjoy personalized enrichment, gentle movement, frequent rest breaks, and one-on-one attention from our trained caregivers.
A Comfortable Space Designed for Aging Dogs
Every aspect of our ACC program is designed with comfort in mind, including:
- Easy-access ramps
- Soft, supportive bedding
- Gentle, low-impact enrichment
- Spacious, crate-free accommodations
- Calming music designed for dogs
- Extra assistance with mobility and daily routines
Personalized Care for Every Guest
Our team gets to know each dog’s routine so we can provide individualized care throughout their stay.
We can assist with:
- Medication administration
- Special diets and feeding routines
- Frequent potty breaks
- Mobility assistance
- Gentle outdoor time
- Individualized enrichment based on your dog’s abilities and interests
Because growing older shouldn’t mean giving up the joy of daycare or boarding.
Yes! Puppies are welcome to participate in daycare, boarding, grooming, and other services at Best Friends Fur Ever once they have received the vaccines required for their age and can provide proof of vaccination from a licensed veterinarian.
Our vaccination requirements are designed to help protect growing puppies, adult dogs, our team members, and every guest in our care.
What vaccines does my puppy need?
Before attending BFFE, puppies must be up to date on our required vaccines based on their age and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus & Parainfluenza)
- Multi-dose puppy series required.
Bordetella (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex / Kennel Cough)
- Intranasal or oral vaccine: Single dose
- Injectable vaccine: Two-dose series administered 2–4 weeks apart
Leptospirosis
- Multi-dose puppy series required.
Canine Influenza
- Multi-dose puppy series required.
Rabies
- Puppies under 16 weeks of age may attend without a Rabies vaccine.
- Once your puppy reaches 16 weeks of age, proof of a current Rabies vaccination is required in accordance with Maryland law.
Yes. Please bring your dog to and from Best Friends Fur Ever wearing their regular collar and leash.
Once your dog is checked in for daycare or boarding, we’ll switch them into a Best Friends Fur Ever breakaway collar for participation in our programs.
Breakaway collars are designed to release under pressure if they become accidentally snagged during supervised play, helping reduce the risk of injury. Because they are designed to release, they should never be used with a leash.
Returning Guests
After your dog’s first visit, a Best Friends Fur Ever breakaway collar becomes part of their resort uniform and is required for future daycare and boarding visits. Breakaway collars are available for purchase at our front desk for $15.90.
Like children at a playground, dogs playing together can occasionally experience minor, superficial scrapes, scratches, or a bit of loose fur during normal play. These are typically cosmetic and can occur even during positive, well-matched interactions.
Our PackPro-certified handlers actively supervise every playgroup, carefully matching dogs by size, play style, and temperament while monitoring interactions throughout the day. When needed, we redirect play, provide rest breaks, or adjust groups to help maintain a safe and enjoyable environment.
If we notice anything that requires your attention, we’ll document our observations and communicate with you promptly. In the uncommon event that veterinary care is needed, we’ll contact you immediately and help coordinate care with your preferred veterinarian or emergency contact if necessary.
Everything we do—from thoughtfully matched playgroups to continuous supervision—is designed to help keep dogs safe, healthy, and happy while they’re with us.
If you did not bring food for your dog, we will supply Verus Life Advantage Chicken Meal, Oats & Brown Rice Formula kibble for the selected meals at $2.00 per meal.
Boarding
Every dog is different, so their care shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.
When choosing a dog daycare or boarding facility, look beyond the building itself. Ask how dogs are grouped, how they’re supervised, what happens if they need a quieter environment, and whether the facility offers programs designed for different personalities, ages, and medical needs—not just one approach for every dog.
At Best Friends Fur Ever, we’ve built our programs around the belief that every dog deserves care that’s tailored to who they are.
Whether your dog thrives in a social playgroup, prefers one-on-one enrichment, is entering their senior years, or is recovering from surgery, we have a program designed with their individual needs in mind.
Our Specialized Programs
Social Play
For dogs who enjoy supervised group play, exercise, and social interaction with carefully matched playmates.
Play My Way
For unaltered dogs, dog-selective dogs, anxious dogs, or those who simply prefer personalized enrichment and one-on-one attention instead of group play.
Assisted Canine Care (ACC)
Designed for senior, geriatric, and mobility-challenged dogs who benefit from a slower pace, gentle enrichment, and extra comfort throughout the day.
Assisted Canine Care Plus (ACC+)
Our specialized recovery program for medically stable dogs recovering from surgery or managing ongoing medical conditions that require additional support and monitoring.
Beyond personalized care, our PackPro-certified team receives ongoing education in canine behavior, health, enrichment, and safety. Every guest enjoys a structured daily routine that balances supervised activity with rest, individualized attention, and plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and relax.
Our Maryland resorts feature spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, climate-controlled accommodations, backup generators, enhanced air quality systems, and 24/7 onsite team members—providing comfort, safety, and peace of mind around the clock.
We also believe communication is part of exceptional care. From report cards and photos to personalized updates, we help you stay connected to your dog’s stay every step of the way.
Because when every dog is different, their care should be too.
Yes. Best Friends Fur Ever has 24-hour onsite staff, 365 days a year. Your dog is never left alone overnight.
Our Overnight Manager and overnight team remain at the resort throughout the night to monitor our guests, perform regular wellness checks, and provide care for dogs who need extra attention, medication, potty breaks, or other individualized support.
Whether your dog is staying for one night or an extended vacation, you can have peace of mind knowing that a caring team member is always onsite, day and night.
Afternoon & Evening Routine
Overnight Guest Schedule
5:00 – 5:30 AM Early Morning Playtime Rotation
5:40 – 6:15 AM Breakfast
8:00 – 11:50 AM Morning Playtime Rotation
12:00 – 1:00 PM Mid-day Snack, Naptime, Lunch (optional)
1:00 – 4:50 AM Afternoon Play Rotation
5:30 PM Dinner
7:00 – 8:30 PM Evening Playtime Rotation
9:00 PM–5:00 AM Bedtime
Early drop-offs are available by appointment only at 4:45 AM prompt (additional charges apply).
Late pick-ups are available by appointment only between 9 – 9:30 PM and 11 – 11:30 PM (additional charges apply).
Premium members enjoy flexible drop-off and pick-up options with no penalties.
For dogs who enjoy a little extra privacy and comfort, our Lux Suites offer an upgraded, crate-free overnight experience, available exclusively at our Cockeysville resort.
Lux Suite amenities include:
- Private accommodations for one dog or bonded pairs
- Crate-free overnight stay
- Window views
- Television entertainment
- 24/7 webcam access so pet parents can check in anytime
Lux Suites are available for dogs enrolled in Social Play, Play My Way, and Assisted Canine Care (ACC).
Designed especially for small dogs, our Petite Suites offer a cozy, quieter overnight experience in a space that’s perfectly sized for smaller breeds.
Petite Suites provide the comfort of a crate-free stay while giving little dogs a peaceful place to relax between activities.
Petite Suite features include:
- Designed specifically for small dogs
- Crate-free overnight accommodations
- Comfortable, quiet environment
- Available for individual dogs or bonded pairs
- Personalized care and 24/7 onsite supervision
Petite Suites are available for dogs participating in Social Play, Play My Way, and Assisted Canine Care (ACC) at our Cockeysville resort.
At Best Friends Fur Ever, your dog’s daily care program and overnight accommodations work together to create a stay that’s tailored to their individual needs.
Depending on your dog’s care program, you’ll have different lodging options available.
Social Play
Dogs participating in our Social Play program may stay in:
- Standard Lodging
- Lux Suites (Cockeysville)
- Petite Suites (Cockeysville, small dogs)
Play My Way
Play My Way guests enjoy upgraded accommodations designed to complement their personalized experience. They may also stay in:
- Play My Way Lodging – special runs
- Lux Suites (Cockeysville)
- Petite Suites (Cockeysville, small dogs)
Assisted Canine Care (ACC)
Our senior and mobility-support guests enjoy quieter accommodations designed for comfort and easy accessibility. ACC guests may also choose:
- ACC Lodging
- Lux Suites (Cockeysville)
- Petite Suites (Cockeysville, small dogs)
Assisted Canine Care Plus (ACC+)
ACC+ guests stay in their own dedicated recovery accommodations designed specifically for medically stable dogs recovering from surgery or managing ongoing medical needs. These accommodations are part of the ACC+ program and are not interchangeable with other lodging options.
Whether your dog stays in Standard Lodging, a Petite Suite, a Lux Suite, or one of our specialized care areas, every overnight guest receives individualized care, a comfortable place to rest, and 24/7 onsite supervision.
We know every dog has different nutritional needs, and we’re happy to follow your dog’s normal feeding routine whenever possible.
You’re welcome to bring your dog’s regular food from home, along with any treats, supplements, or feeding instructions you’d like us to follow. To help ensure meals are served accurately, please portion each meal into individual bags or containers labeled with your dog’s name and feeding time.
Because of limited storage space, we cannot accept full bags or boxes of kibble or other food.
If your dog has food allergies, a prescription diet, a sensitive stomach, or other special dietary needs, just let us know before their stay. Our team will carefully follow your instructions so your dog can enjoy their visit while staying on their normal routine.
Absolutely! We offer a variety of optional one-on-one activities, enrichment experiences, and wellness add-ons to help make your dog’s stay even more engaging and personalized.
Whether your dog loves extra playtime, prefers quiet one-on-one attention, or enjoys using their nose and brain, you can customize their visit with activities tailored to their interests.
One-on-One Activities
Choose from experiences like:
- Treadmill Sessions
- Tug-of-War
- Fetch & Catch
- Snuggle Time
- Belly Rubs
Enrichment Activities
Keep your dog’s mind active with:
- Puzzle Toys
- Snuffle Mats & Snuffle Balls
- Lick Mats
- Stuffed KONG® Treats
- Treat Mazes
Wellness Add-Ons
Available for eligible guests, our wellness services include:
- Red Light Therapy
- PEMF Therapy
- Gentle Recovery Massage
- Calming Aromatherapy
These optional services can be added for an additional fee and are a great way to create a stay that’s customized to your dog’s personality, preferences, and individual needs.
The All Pet Credit program allows your pets to get the care they need, when they need it, while freeing you to pay over time.
There is no interest if paid in full within 6 months on purchases of $250 or more.
Your dog’s comfort is one of our top priorities.
Our resorts are climate-controlled year-round, helping maintain a comfortable environment no matter the weather. With backup generators at both locations, you can have peace of mind knowing your dog’s care continues uninterrupted, even during unexpected power outages.
Every overnight guest receives a cozy blanket and a clean, comfortable place to rest. For an extra special bedtime routine, you can also add our optional Turn-Down Service, complete with an extra tuck-in, plenty of bedtime affection, and a Milk-Bone® treat before lights out.
Because every dog is different, we offer multiple care programs and lodging options to match their personality, age, activity level, and individual needs. Whether your dog loves social play, prefers one-on-one attention, enjoys a quieter environment, or needs specialized support, we’ll help create a stay that’s just right for them.
With personalized care, structured daily routines, and 24/7 onsite team members, we strive to make every stay as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible—for both dogs and their families.
We understand that thunderstorms can be stressful for some dogs, and our team is prepared to help them feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
When severe weather moves into the area, we transition outdoor activities indoors and continue our structured routines in our climate-controlled play areas. Throughout the resort, we play calming music to help create a more relaxing environment.
For dogs who may need a little extra support, our team can also use approved calming measures, such as calming sprays, ThunderShirts®, calming chews (when provided or approved by the pet parent), and aromatherapy, based on your dog’s individual needs and comfort level.
Our resorts are equipped with backup generators, so your dog’s comfort, safety, and daily routine can continue uninterrupted—even during power outages.
Most importantly, our team is onsite 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Overnight team members are available to provide reassurance, extra attention, and comfort throughout the storm.
If your dog has a history of noise anxiety, let us know before their stay. We’ll work with you to understand what helps them feel most comfortable and incorporate those preferences whenever possible.
Yes! At Best Friends FurEver, we proudly welcome dogs of all ages and needs — including puppies, seniors, and special needs dogs who require daily medication or special care.
Our trained staff is experienced in administering a wide range of medications, from pills and capsules to eye drops and topical treatments. We follow precise instructions provided by you and your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s health and comfort during their stay.
💡 Please Note:
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Medications must be clearly labeled with your dog’s name, dosage, and schedule.
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Bring written instructions if there are any special steps or timing needs.
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For safety, do not pre-stuff capsules in pill pockets or cheese — bring those items separately so we can administer them properly.
We’re committed to creating a calm, structured, and nurturing environment for every dog, no matter their age or ability. If your pup has unique medical or behavioral needs, let us know in advance — we’re happy to accommodate.
To ensure your pup gets their medication safely and consistently during their stay, we ask that you follow these guidelines when preparing meds for intake:
✅ Please Do:
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Bring medications in their original containers whenever possible.
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Label all items clearly with your dog’s name, dosage, and administration schedule (AM, PM, with food, etc.).
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If using over-the-counter aids like pill pockets or cheese, keep them separate from the medication itself.
🚫 Please Avoid:
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Do not pre-stuff capsules or tablets inside pill pockets, cheese, or other treats.
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Why? Medications — especially gel capsules — can dissolve or break down when left inside moist treats, which can affect dosage accuracy and effectiveness.
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📝 Pro Tip:
If your dog takes medication with a specific food or treat, feel free to pack those items separately and let our team know your preferred method. We’re happy to administer meds exactly how your pup likes them — as long as we can keep things safe and stable!
Grooming
Breeds like Poodles, Bichon Frises and Maltese can experience tear duct obstruction or have abnormal eyelid structure. Because of this, tears spill out onto the fur along the side of the nose. Plus, hairs and other irritants rubbing against the eye can increase tear production. Moisture on the fur of the dog’s face fosters the growth of bacteria and can cause rusty stains to appear. If the dog is white, those stains are even more obvious. At Best Friends Fur Ever, we use gentle shampoos and products to remove the stains and reveal your dog’s beautiful fur. Regular grooming with us will dramatically help, however, you should talk to your veterinarian if this is a recurring problem with your dog.
It’s completely normal for some dogs to feel nervous about grooming, especially puppies, rescue dogs, or dogs who aren’t used to being handled.
One of the best ways to build confidence at home is to gently handle your dog’s paws, ears, muzzle, tail, and other sensitive areas while offering praise or treats. Using cues like “paws” or “ears” before touching those areas can help your dog form positive associations over time.
At Best Friends Fur Ever, our professional groomers take a patient, compassionate approach and work at each dog’s comfort level. We never rush the grooming process, and we’ll do our best to help your dog have a positive experience.
Many pet parents also choose to schedule daycare, Play My Way, or enrichment activities before their grooming appointment. A fun morning of play, sniffing, or one-on-one activities can help dogs relax, burn off nervous energy, and associate their visit with positive experiences—not just bath time.
If your dog has a history of grooming anxiety, please let us know when booking your appointment. We’ll work with you to understand their needs and help make their visit as comfortable as possible.
Yes. Your dog can also receive a spa day at our grooming salon, so they return home looking and smelling great after a fun vacation at BFFE.
Premium Bath starts at $50.00, but the price varies based on size, coat condition & length, matting, temperament, etc. Premium bath includes nail trim and ear cleaning.
Add-on services (can be purchased with or without a bath, include):
- Healthy Skin & Coat Treatment** (added onto a premium bath only)
$15.00 and up - Shed Control Treatment** (added onto a premium bath only)
$15.00 and up - Nail Filing (note: filing makes nails more smooth and rounded)
$20.00 (or $8.00 w/ a premium bath) - Fresh Breath Treatment – $8.00
- Brush Out – $15.00
- Ear Cleaning – $15.00
It’s important to get young puppies acquainted with the grooming process to ensure they become comfortable with it at an early age. If you have a puppy under five months old, our Puppy Package is for you!
This package includes a bath, blow dry, brush out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and a light trim (face, paws, sanitary trim) if needed.
Health & Wellness
To ensure the health and safety of all guests in our care, Best Friends Fur Ever requires all dogs to be fully vaccinated and protected prior to arrival.
Please plan ahead—some vaccines require a 7-day waiting period before entry is permitted.
Mandatory Vaccinations:
All dogs must be vaccinated against the following:
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Canine Influenza (CIV)
We accept either of the following:-
The Nobivac® NXT Canine Flu H3N2 vaccine (targeted protection for H3N2 strain)
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A bivalent (combo) canine influenza vaccine (protection against both H3N2 and H3N8 strains)
💬 We highly recommend the Nobivac® NXT Canine Flu H3N2 vaccine, but encourage you to speak with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog.
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Rabies
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Canine Distemper
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Canine Parvovirus
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Leptospirosis
Must include all 4 serovars: Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Pomona -
CIRDC Pathogens
Includes Canine Parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Canine Adenovirus
Must be administered via mucosal route (oral or intranasal)💡 We highly recommend the Nobivac® Intra-Trak 3 intranasal vaccine. -
Important Timing Requirement for New Vaccines:
If your dog is receiving any of the above vaccines for the first time, or has never had a CIV vaccine before, a 20-day waiting period is required after the final dose before your dog may enter our facility.
⚠️ This policy is essential to ensure full immune protection and to reduce the risk of exposure and disease spread in group environments.
All dogs must be actively protected with veterinarian-recommended preventatives for:
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Fleas & Ticks (e.g., Bravecto)
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Heartworm & Intestinal Parasites (e.g., Sentinel Spectrum)
Canine cough, sometimes called kennel cough or Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), is a common respiratory illness that can affect dogs anywhere they spend time around other dogs—including daycare, boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, training classes, and veterinary waiting rooms.
Rather than being a single disease, canine cough is a group of respiratory illnesses that can be caused by several different viruses and bacteria. One of the most common causes is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is why people often use the terms Bordetella and kennel cough interchangeably.
Like the common cold in people, dogs are exposed to everyday germs throughout their lives. While no vaccine can prevent every respiratory illness, recommended vaccinations, good overall health, proper ventilation, thoughtful sanitation practices, and early recognition of symptoms all help reduce the likelihood of illness and support healthier group environments.
Most dogs with uncomplicated canine cough experience a mild illness and recover with supportive veterinary care, although puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying medical conditions may require closer monitoring.
No. Our current vaccination requirements include protection against Leptospirosis for all dogs using our daycare, boarding, and grooming services.
What has changed is how many veterinary practices administer the vaccine.
In the past, Leptospirosis was often included in a combination vaccine. Today, many veterinarians administer DHPP (or DAPP) and Leptospirosis as separate vaccines. As a result, some dogs may appear to be up to date on their vaccinations when they’re actually missing Leptospirosis protection.
How do I know if my dog is covered?
Your dog meets our Leptospirosis requirement if they have either:
- A combination vaccine that includes Leptospirosis (often listed as DHLPP, DAPP-L, or another Lepto-containing combination vaccine), or
- A separate Leptospirosis vaccine given in addition to their DHPP or DAPP vaccine.
What if my dog’s records only show DHPP or DAPP?
DHPP and DAPP vaccines do not include Leptospirosis.
If your records only list DHPP or DAPP, we recommend contacting your veterinarian to confirm whether:
- Your dog received a separate Leptospirosis vaccine, or
- Your dog still needs the vaccine to meet our requirements.
Simply schedule the vaccination with your veterinarian and upload your dog’s updated vaccine records before your next visit.
If you have questions about your dog’s vaccination records, our team is happy to help you review them before your reservation.
Your dog’s safety is our highest priority.
Our PackPro-certified handlers carefully match dogs by play style, size, age, energy level, and personality, while closely supervising every playgroup throughout the day. If a dog becomes uncomfortable or overstimulated, we’ll step in early to redirect the interaction or provide a break.
While most dogs enjoy positive social experiences, occasional disagreements can happen. If they do, our team will safely separate the dogs, perform a wellness assessment, and adjust each dog’s care based on what they need.
That may include:
- A quiet break to decompress
- A different playgroup
- One-on-one activities through Play My Way
- A recommendation for a different care program on future visits
If your dog’s day doesn’t go as planned, we’ll contact you promptly to explain what we observed, how we responded, and any recommendations for future visits.
Because every dog is different, we’re committed to finding the approach that helps each guest feel safe, comfortable, and successful.
Maintaining a clean, healthy environment is one of the many ways we help protect every dog in our care.
Our resorts feature PetAirapy® air purification systems, which continuously help reduce airborne germs, allergens, odors, and contaminants without the use of harsh chemicals.
Throughout the day, our team follows a rigorous cleaning and sanitation schedule using pet-safe disinfectants. Shared play areas, lodging accommodations, food and water bowls, and high-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly, and overnight team members perform additional deep cleaning while guests are resting.
We also provide every overnight guest with freshly laundered blankets and towels, and all bedding is washed and sanitized between stays.
Combined with our vaccination requirements, health screenings, dedicated isolation protocols when needed, and trained team members, these practices help us provide a cleaner, safer environment for every guest.
Yes. Some dogs experience stress colitis, which is temporary inflammation of the large intestine that can occur during boarding, travel, or other changes in routine. It may cause loose stools or increased urgency to go outside.
If your dog has a history of stress colitis, please let us know before their visit so we can note it in their care plan.
If we observe signs of stress colitis during your dog’s stay, our team will closely monitor them, keep you informed, and follow our established care protocols. With your authorization, we may administer FullBucket® Probiotic Paste to help support digestive health and promote normal stool consistency.
Our goal is to help your dog stay as comfortable as possible while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Your dog’s health, comfort, and well-being are our top priorities.
Our trained team members continuously monitor every guest throughout the day for changes in behavior, appetite, energy level, mobility, breathing, bathroom habits, and overall well-being. If we notice that your dog isn’t acting like themselves, we’ll respond promptly.
Depending on what we observe, your dog may be moved to a quiet, comfortable area away from group activities while our leadership team performs a wellness assessment. We may adjust their activity level, provide additional rest, or modify their care plan based on their individual needs.
We’ll contact you using your preferred method of communication to explain what we’ve observed, discuss next steps, and answer any questions. If we believe veterinary guidance is appropriate, we’ll recommend that you contact your veterinarian. If more immediate care is needed, we’ll work with you and your emergency contacts to help coordinate the best care for your dog.
If your veterinarian determines that your dog has a condition that could be contagious to other dogs, we’ll ask that they recover at home until they’re cleared to safely return. This helps protect your dog while supporting the health of every guest in our care.
As part of your Pet Care Agreement, we ask every pet parent to provide one or more local emergency contacts who are authorized to pick up your dog and assist with care decisions if you’re unavailable. Having this information allows us to respond quickly whenever your dog needs us most.
To help protect every guest in our care, all dogs must remain up to date on our required vaccinations before attending daycare, boarding, grooming, or any other Best Friends Fur Ever service.
If your dog is overdue on a required vaccine, they’ll need to complete the appropriate vaccination series before returning.
Once the required vaccine or vaccine series has been completed, your dog must wait 7 days after the final dose before returning to any Best Friends Fur Ever resort, program, daycare, boarding stay, or grooming appointment. This waiting period allows time for your dog’s immune system to develop protection.
If you’re unsure whether your dog’s vaccinations are current or have questions about your records, our team is happy to help review them before your next visit.
Vaccines require time to become effective and provide protection. Our 7-day waiting period helps protect all dogs in our care and supports a safe, healthy environment throughout our resorts.
If your dog receives updated booster vaccines before the current vaccines expire, your dog may continue attending BFFE without interruption.
Yes — for first-time vaccinations or lapsed vaccines, some vaccines require an initial series of boosters.
Bordetella
- Intranasal or oral Bordetella is typically a single dose.
- Injectable Bordetella usually requires 2 doses spaced 2–4 weeks apart.
Leptospirosis
- Requires an initial 2-dose series.
- If annual boosters lapse, the series typically must be restarted.
Canine Influenza
- Requires an initial 2-dose series.
- If boosters lapse, your veterinarian may recommend restarting the series.
No. While veterinarians may recommend different vaccine timing schedules, BFFE requirements remain the same for all dogs in our care.
To attend any BFFE service, pet parents must provide proof that all required vaccines have been completed at least 7 days prior to entering our resorts.
This applies to:
- Daycare
- Boarding
- Grooming
- All BFFE programs and services
Best Friends Fur Ever is proud to partner with nationally recognized veterinary specialist Dr. Jen Chatfield on implementing her acclaimed Healthy Pet-keeping Seal program into our facilities.
Earning the Healthy Pet-keeping Seal means that a board-certified vet has reviewed our procedures and protocols to ensure they demonstrate a science-based approach to safeguarding the health of every pet in our care.
Learn more, here: https://www.bestfriendsfurever.com/dr-jen/
Not every dog needs probiotics, but they can benefit from the supplement. If your dog is facing some stomach issues like constant diarrhea or constipation, then your vet may recommend a higher dosage of the supplement. Keep in mind that giving your dog probiotics will not truly correct the issue.